A DRAMATIC hostage situation in Jarrow was brought to a peaceful end on Sunday evening.

Police say one person was taken hostage before they were allowed out of the Coral bookmakers in Jarrow, Tyneside, which had been surrounded.

Three others were allowed to leave earlier, according to police.

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner Vera Baird said someone inside the store on Grange Road, had been armed with a sawn-off shotgun.

She tweeted: "All hostages free as Jarrow siege ends. Told: he had loaded sawn-off, but arrested without police use of firearms. Well done & glad all safe."

The dramatic stand-off began when police swooped on the premises.

The Northern Echo:

Viking Shopping Centre, in Jarrow. Picture: Google Street View

Roads around the Viking Shopping Centre were closed to traffic by police vehicles.

Lights were on inside the building and it is understood officers negotiated with a man inside.

The Northern Echo:

The Coral bookmakers is believed to be at the centre of the drama. Picture: Google Street View

A Northumbria Police spokesman said: "At 8.44pm police negotiated the safe release of the fourth person from inside the premises, then at 8.53pm the man in possession of the weapon was arrested by officers.

"A firearm has been seized by officers and the 39-year-old man will be taken into police custody.

"A police issue 'less lethal weapon' was discharged during the incident in order to bring this matter to safe conclusion - this was the 'shots' that people may have heard.

"Nobody has been injured during the incident.

"Enquiries are ongoing and we will try and get the area back to normal as possible.

"We would like to thank the public for their cooperation."